Udinese v AC Milan – preview: Rossoneri look for back to back wins

The Rossoneri have started the season with two losses, sandwiched by two wins and will be hoping to get on a run of good form after their 3-2 victory over Palermo on the weekend.

Coach Sinisa Mihajlovic has been happy with their improvement over the last two matches, but is adamant there is plenty more to come from them.

Since their surprising opening day victory over reigning champions Juventus, Udinese have gone on to lose their next three games, raising alarm bells that another relegation battle could be on their hands this season.

Their latest was a last-gasp 2-1 loss to Empoli at home on the weekend, that left the fans voicing their disapproval after their fifth defeat at home in a row.

In the past six meetings between the two sides, the record is even at three wins a piece. The last encounter was back in April, when the Zebrette clinched the game 2-1 thanks to goals from Giampiero Pinzi and Emmanuel Badu.

Friuli coach Stefano Colantuono will be without two of his players due to injury with Swiss full-back Silvan Widmer and Brazilian Guilherme missing the clash.

Talisman Antonio Di Natale is expected to partner Duvan Zapata up-front, with the Colombian looking to build on his goal against Empoli on the weekend.

Mario Balotelli may get his first start of the season, alongside in form forward Carlos Bacca, but Mihajlovic will have to do without Luca Antonelli, Andrea Bertolacci, Philippe Mexes and Mbaye Niang.

Despite some criticism directed at him due to his performances, Keisuke Honda will get another chance to impress in the trequartista position, ahead of Suso, while Cristian Zapata is set to start against his former club.